Elections are over, but financial issues continue to plague many Michigan municipalities. As the area's premiere educational institution for accounting and finance, Walsh College is hosting a half-day session on fiscal responsibilities for the public sector on Thursday, December 5, 2013 from 8 a.m. to Noon at the Walsh College Novi Campus.

Walsh faculty and government finance experts will discuss their experiences and insights under the state emergency manager laws and municipal bankruptcy, as well as how overlooking various budgetary red-flags by local leaders can have dire consequences. The presenters will discuss resources available to struggling municipalities, as well as critical decisions and strategies recommended for all municipalities and school districts to maintain their fiscal health.

"We are honored to host this informative session for the municipal leaders in our region," said Professor Daniel S. Hoops, Walsh College Accounting and Tax Department Chair. "It will be a one of a kind assembly of some of the best minds in government and school finance who have experienced these issues from all perspectives."

"Because we are all affected by what happens in our surrounding communities, we invite all appointed and elected officials, as well as the employees of public entities to attend; these would include local units of government, school districts, public authorities and commissions. We think it is important for municipal leaders to hear about the consequences of decisions that were or were not made by voters and officials that led to successes and failures in our neighboring school districts and cities," added Hoops. "There are turnaround strategies that work, methods for maintaining a balanced budget, and resources to help avoid financial distress. Nothing is worse than sitting on your hands doing nothing, so we wanted to bring these experts and their voices together."

Tickets are $50, $25 for Walsh alumni, and $15 for Walsh students. Seating is limited, and registration is required. Continuing education credit is available for individuals with certifications.

For more information and to register please visit http://www.walshcollege.edu/finpublicleadersconference.

Walsh College is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (www.ncahlc.org; phone: 312-263-0456). Specific degree programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP, www.acbsp.org).